Old, new generations vie for Walking Street neighborhood council

The owner of two Soi Diamond go-go bars will face off Sunday against a “new generation” to run Walking Street neighborhood council.

Sunthorn “Tee” Kangsirikul, owner of the Diamond and Casino Club bars, knocked on doors in the South Pattaya neighborhood Jan. 10, asking business owners to elect him to another term.

He and his 15-person Old Walking Street Group slate will face off Jan. 20 against a Rao Rak Walking Street slate headed by Maetharit Suntharas. Voting takes place at Bali Hai Pier from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Election Commission said about 1,000 people are eligible to vote.

Sunthorn argued that, having worked two decades in the nightlife district, he helped build Walking Street and was behind recent and future improvements, such as the upcoming construction of a local-products market.

He said the Old Walking Street Group focuses on cleanliness and convenience for tourists and that all 15 members should be returned to office.

Maetharit said his group, if elected, will push to solve traffic problems, increase garbage collection to three times daily, organize safety zones, remove flyers and other illegal advertising and establish a Walking Street “emergency center.”

He said his coalition is made up of “new blood” that will bring innovation to Walking Street. Rao Rak candidates lobbied for votes with a parade of vehicles through the nightlife district before the vote.